Film Photography

First Published July 12, 2018

I finally decided to give film photography a try. I wanted to see for myself what all the hype was about and understand why photography students all start off learning on a film camera. It’s understandable if you look at it as a progression in time and your technical understanding had to be solidified, but still felt a bit counter-intuitive when you could learn similar aspects on a digital camera body. Let’s say I was wrong about that.

Another push for me to get into film photography came in the form of an interview question from a photography studio. During an interview with one of their lead creatives/photographers, She asked if I had ever shot film. I explained that only understood the concept, but photographing with film is a different experience.

Again, I now realize the skill level needed to be comfortable shooting with film and that question that I had been asked was more loaded than I initally thought.

I also have a tremendous amount of respect for the historical photographs and the original founding fathers of Street Photography. If you think of any pictures that have been tested by the hands of time or is even considered to have made an impact, I bet you 80% of the photos you’ll find are from a street photographer. If you’ve ever heard me talk about why I am drawn to this style in photography, it’s because I believe in making photos that matter. What that means to me is telling a story and the viewer pulling some emotion from the images I create.

So how did I get into it?
Believe it or not, it was a completely random encounter with a fellow street photographer on the street. I was walking through my neighbourhood after having dinner at a local yakitori restaurant and my next stop was going to be a shisha spot. As I was looking at the menu in front, I heard an enthusiastic voice coming from just around the corner giving directions. Sure enough, A fellow gaijin guy with a film camera came my way and took my photo and smiled. I was instantly intrigued by him, as he approached his photography in the same exact manner as I do. Before I knew it, he has already made his way into the Shisha cafe and started to work the room with his charm and camera. Needless to say, I was impressed with this persons charisma and confidence in taking photos of complete strangers. Also, note he is doing this in both English and Japanese!

Turns out he is a film camera enthusiast, with a sizable collection of cameras. We ended up making plans to shoot Sanja Matsuri Festival on May 19. By the 3rd time meeting him I expressed interest in trying film and without hesitation, he loaned me his Canon F-1. It always amazes me when you give people a chance and they want to be a somebody in your life.

Anyways thank you, Matt, for giving the opportunity to experience shooting with film and sharing all your knowledge with me.

Attached below are some of the images I made.